Reproduction and Life Cycle:

Mating occurs between random adult bats during late summer and early autumn in two phases: active and passive

During the active mating phase, both partners are awake and alert. Females in this phase usually mate with more than one male.

During the passive mating phase, active males mate with torpid bats of both sexes

Females delay ovulation, storing sperm for seven months between insemination in autumn and fertilization in spring

Gestationperiod is 50-60 days, with pups born between June-July

During this time, females roost in nursery areas that are typically only occupied by females and their young

Males play no role in parental care

Females give birth to just one pup per year

Young spend their first few weeks clinging to their mother’s nipple using their teeth and claws

Young are able to hear by day 2 and develop adult-like sensitive hearing by day 13

After three weeks, young are able to fly, and within four weeks of birth young are independent from their mothers

Usually lives 6-7 years, but can live for 10 or more years

Other Facts:

Also known as the little brown myotis

Spends a large amount of time every day grooming its fur and wing membranes

During the day and throughout the winter hibernation, little brown bats enter torpor: a state of reduced body activity in which temperature, breathing, heart rates and other bodily functions are lowered to conserve energy.